1 – Not being certain what the band play:  There’s no point assuming any band can play requests, or play your special song for your first dance, if you don’t check with them first.   Don’t surprise them or yourself on the night…”Alternative Rock band?? We thought you were Country rock?!”

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2 – Assume the venue is suitable for the band:  Do they have live music regularly?  Most hotels will have some conditions for the band to meet, what are they?  Is the stage too small, too big, and what about the dancefloor?  You’ll never get your 200 guests on a small 4mx4m dancefloor :)

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3 – Ignore your band’s requests:  Most bands will ask you for a few things that are necessary for them to perform their job well for you.  It could be parking, somewhere to get changed into stage clothes, somewhere to relax away from your guests when not playing, something to eat and drink.  The band will be having a long working day, they may be away from home for over 12 hours. Nothing puts them in a grumpier mood after a long journey and unloading heavy equipment than having to pay to park half a mile from your venue, walk back through the rain, with the prospect of no food or drink except a coke at the bar for £5. And who wants a grumpy band?

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4 – Book a friend or relative’s  band you saw on a night out ages ago “they were great!!”.  They may have been great that night, but do you want to trust the entertainment for your wedding guests to amateurs you don’t really know?  It’s much better to choose a professional band who will reliably do a great job for you!

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5 – Don’t get anything in writing:  Professional bands will always be happy to give you an agreement or contract with everything in writing.  Any band that doesn’t, avoid!  The contract should be specific about the details of your event, running times, fees etc.  Professional bands have no problem with this, indeed they will insist on it, plus you’ll have a full paper and email trail.

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READ PART 2 "Ten Biggest Mistakes When Booking A Wedding Band..."